WordGarden.iodawn
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɔːn/
US
- /ˈdɔn/
Meanings
Noun
the first light of day
the beginning of a period or development
Verb
for the day to begin to grow light
to become clear or occur to someone
for a period or situation to begin
Beyond the definition
Dawn isn't just about the sun peeking over the horizon—it's the feeling of a fresh beginning. It's that quiet, hopeful moment when darkness gives way to light. Think of a detective solving a cold case; the dawn of understanding might break after years of searching. Or imagine a writer struggling with a story—the dawn of inspiration could strike at any moment!
Dawn can also be metaphorical. The "dawn of a new era" suggests a significant turning point in history or even in your own life. It's a time for possibilities and promises. Shakespeare frequently used the imagery of dawn; in Romeo and Juliet, he describes it as standing "tiptoe on the misty mountain tops," acting as a bittersweet messenger that the night has ended and a new day has arrived.
Dawn refers to the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise. It's that magical transition from darkness to day, often characterized by soft colors and a sense of peace. The sentence "She woke before dawn to watch the sun rise over the mountains" paints a picture of quiet beauty.
But "dawn" isn't limited to just the time of day. It frequently carries a metaphorical weight, signifying the beginning of something new—an era, a realization, or even a feeling. We talk about "the dawn of the computer age" to mark the start of widespread technological advancement. Or perhaps you experienced "a sudden dawn of understanding" when a complex concept finally clicked into place.
Historically, "dawn" comes from Old English dagung ("daybreak"), from dagian ("to become day"). It is directly related to the word "day," suggesting a natural progression where the light reveals the world once more. This linguistic connection emphasizes the transition from the hidden shadows of the night to the clarity of the morning.
You might also hear "at dawn" used to specify when something happens, often implying secrecy, discipline, or urgency: "The soldiers moved out at dawn." Alternatively, you could describe someone as being "in the dawn of their life," meaning they are young and full of potential. Whether it's a literal sunrise painting the sky with color or a figurative moment of new beginnings and clarity, dawn represents hope, promise, and the start of something beautiful.
Examples
- 1
Early travel
We set off at dawn so we could reach the beach early.
- 2
Weather
By dawn, the rain had finally stopped.
- 3
Farm work
The farmers were already out in the fields before dawn.
- 4
Long workday
She worked from dawn till dusk to finish the repairs.
- Phrasefrom dawn till dusk
from very early morning until evening
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
New era
The country changed quickly at the dawn of the internet age.
- Patternthe dawn of + era
the beginning of that period
- 6
Realization
It suddenly dawned on me that I had left my keys at home.
- Patterndawn on + person
become clear to that person
- 7
Delayed realization
Has it dawned on him yet that nobody agreed to the plan?
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dawnnounverb
Forms
- dawnedpast tenseverbnoun
- dawning-ing formverbnoun
- dawnspluralnounverb